Rep. Ron Estes, Americans for Prosperity push for tax cut extension

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - Extending the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was the focal point of a rally held Saturday in Wichita, organized by Kansas Representative Ron Estes and the Americans for Prosperity group.

The law, passed during President Donald Trump’s first administration, lowered tax rates but is set to expire at the end of this year.

Rep. Estes warned that Kansas taxpayers could face an average tax increase of 27% if an extension isn’t granted by 2026.

“Without an extension, Kansans could see a significant tax hike that would impact their wallets, particularly when many are already dealing with inflationary pressures,” Estes said during the rally.

However, extending the provisions of the 2017 tax law could come with a hefty price tag, potentially costing up to $4 trillion over the next decade. Rep. Estes acknowledged the cost, and said controlling federal spending is key to making the extension financially feasible.

“With spending increasing by 70% annually, while tax receipts only grow by 48%, the deficit continues to rise. If we can get spending under control, that’s going to be a big part of it,” Estes explained.

Elizabeth Patton, State Director of Americans for Prosperity Kansas, also spoke at the rally in support of extending the act.

“If we don’t ensure these tax cuts are made permanent, everyone in Kansas would see a tax raise on their federal bill by over $2,200, and that impacts everybody,” Patton said.

Supporters of the tax cuts, including those from Americans for Prosperity, argue that the tax cuts benefit not just the wealthy but also middle and lower-income families and small businesses. They claim the cuts help stimulate economic growth and provide financial relief across various income levels.